Question & AnswerQ&A (MARINA CIRCULAR NO. 2009-04)
The MARINA Telephone Hotline 2985 (AZUL) was established to facilitate reporting of maritime-related violations, complaints, grievances, and suspicious or illegal activities on board Philippine-registered domestic ships as well as to provide a means for clients to express their feedback and for enhancing enforcement functions towards compliance with maritime laws.
The establishment of the MARINA Telephone Hotline cites Presidential Decree No. 474, Executive Order No. 125/125-A, Republic Act No. 9295, and Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9485 (Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007) as its legal basis.
The Circular covers reports of non-compliance, maritime-related violations, complaints, grievances, suspicious or illegal activities on Philippine-registered ships, as well as comments, suggestions, and other maritime-related issues.
A Complaint/Grievance is defined as an expression of discontent or dissatisfaction against an unjust act.
Maritime violation refers to non-conformity or non-compliance with applicable maritime laws, rules, regulations, policies, and other issuances.
Suspicious Illegal/Unlawful Activity refers to any behavior indicative of a potential security threat to a ship or a person.
All concerned individuals, including the public, are encouraged to report maritime-related violations, complaints, and suspicious activities and provide feedback through the MARINA Telephone Hotline and SMS service.
Reporters should provide the nature of non-compliance or violation, the company or persons involved, the name of the ship, any available evidence, and the date, time, and location of the alleged violation.
Yes, anonymous reports that are supported by adequate information and documented evidence will be acted upon, whereas vague or unsupported general reports will be disregarded.
Sanctions include administrative fines: First Offense - P10,000.00; Second Offense - P20,000.00; Third Offense - P30,000.00.
Yes, individuals who send a validated complaint or report through SMS 2985 and confirmed by a MARINA deputized agent are entitled to a reward of P50 worth of cellphone load.
They are required to post or display MARINA Hotline posters in conspicuous places on board their ships and terminals.
Information provided, especially reports of violations, complaints, and grievances, shall be treated as confidential.
The service is available 24 hours a day to receive calls, reports, or feedback.
Each report or feedback receives proper acknowledgment and is assigned a reference or case number. Reporters can receive a number to provide additional information or check progress. The reporting persons are advised of the actions taken until final resolution.
Port authorities are enjoined to provide billboards of MARINA Hotlines in their compounds visible to all domestic ship owners, operators, ship Masters, and passengers.